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Common brand name: Lasix
Why is furosemide prescribed?
Furosemide, a "water pill," causes the kidneys to eliminate
unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine. It is used to treat high
blood pressure and the swelling and water retention caused by various medical
problems, including heart disease.
When should furosemide be used?
Furosemide is usually taken once or twice a day. Follow the instructions on
your prescription label carefully, and ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain
any part that you do not understand. If you are to take furosemide once a day,
take it in the morning. Take a second dose, if prescribed, in the late afternoon
to avoid going to the bathroom during the night. Furosemide begins to work about
30 minutes after it is taken and goes on working for six to eight hours.
How should it be used?
Furosemide comes in tablets and as an oral liquid. Your prescription label
tells you how much to take at each dose. Furosemide must be taken regularly,
especially to control high blood pressure. You may obtain a specially marked
spoon from your pharmacist to measure an accurate dose of the liquid. Ask your
pharmacist any questions you may have about refilling your prescription.
What special instructions should I follow while using this drug?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your blood pressure should be
checked regularly and blood tests may be done occasionally. NEVER stop taking
furosemide, even if you feel well, without consulting your doctor. Weigh
yourself at least once a day or once every other day. If you lose or gain weight
rapidly, contact your doctor immediately. Be sure that you always have enough of
this medication on hand. Check your supply before vacations, holidays, and other
occasions when you may have difficulty refilling your prescription.
What special dietary instructions should I follow while using this drug?
Follow your doctor's recommendations. These recommendations may include a
low-sodium or low-salt diet, a daily exercise program, potassium supplements,
and high-potassium foods (such as bananas and orange juice) in your diet.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is time for your
next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
What side effects can this drug cause? What can I do about them?
Although side effects from furosemide are not common, the following can
occur:
- Frequent urination
This problem may last for up to eight hours after a dose.
- Muscle cramps or weakness, thirst
Be sure that you are taking your potassium supplement correctly, if
prescribed. Contact your doctor if these symptoms persist.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness
Try rising more slowly when getting up from a lying or sitting position.
- Blurred vision, confusion, headache, increased perspiration,
and restlessness
If these effects persist or are severe, contact your doctor.
- Fever, sore throat, ringing in the ears, unusual bleeding or
bruising, and rapid and excessive weight loss or weight gain
Contact your doctor immediately.
- Skin rash
Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.
- Skin sensitivity to sunlight. This medication may make your
skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors
- If you experience any other side effects that you think could
be caused by this medication and/or are of concern to you, call your doctor.
What other precautions should I follow while using this drug?
Before taking furosemide, tell you doctor:
- If you ever had a bad reaction to furosemide or a sulfa drug
- If you have diabetes, gout, kidney or liver problems, or
pancreatitis
- If you are pregnant or if you get pregnant while taking
furosemide
- What vitamins, herbals, dietary supplements, nonprescription
(over-the-counter) and other prescription medications you are taking,
especially diabetes medications, aspirin, indomethacin, lithium, and
steroids (Also inform your pharmacist.) Some drugs may affect the way
furosemide works or increase its side effects.
- Do not breastfeed while taking this medication.
- Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor about your blood pressure medications.
What storage conditions are necessary for this drug?
- Keep furosemide in its original container.
- Store it away from direct sunlight.
- Keep furosemide out of the reach of children.
- Store liquid furosemide in the refrigerator.
- Store tablets at room temperature.
- Never share your medication with anyone.
- Never take outdated medications. Some medication prescription
labels list an expiration date. If such a date is not on your medication
label or if you are unsure how old a medication is, call your pharmacy.
This handout summarizes information to help you understand and safely take
your medication. Other information--not included in this handout--may be
important for you to know because of your unique health status. Ask your doctor
and/or pharmacist for more information on the medications prescribed for you and
your unique health care needs.
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